Edgar P. Hobbs III, a true friend and dedicated uncle to many nieces and nephews, passed away on March 22, 2026, at the age of 73.  Ed was born on September 15, 1952, in Richmond, Virginia and moved to Suffolk at the age of 6.  He is preceded in death by his Father, Edgar P. Hobbs, Jr., Mother, Alma Dailey Hobbs, and brother Donnie Hobbs.

Ed's legacy in life is the many pieces of furniture built throughout his career.  His cabinet-making journey began in Clarksville, Va., where he worked for Howerton Antique Reproductions and learned from the masters of furniture making.  He continued his work for Martin Carter at Carter Woodworking in Suffolk, Va.  After Martin's retirement, he continued producing handcrafted furniture for American Interiors, a family-owned business in Norfolk.  He retired in 2020 after five years at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

Ed loved to do many things - golfing, fishing, riding motorcycles, shooting - but if he made a piece for furniture for you or helped as you tried your hand at woodworking, it was special.  His furniture legacy and craftmanship endures in many places, from the baby rattles he made for nieces and nephews to the fine cabinets he made for his home.  His many customers often stayed in touch with him throughout the years.  Amateur woodworkers asked for help with their projects and people often "needed him" to make something. Ed was a good friend to many and in him, you had a friend for life.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Sharon Galtress Hobbs, and sisters Patricia Wright and Anna Lynch, mother-in-law, Sylvia Faison; sisters-in-law Donna Barksdale (Tom) and Teresa Bray (Stephen).  While he had no children, Ed loved their fur "children", most of them beagle rescues - Blue, Hassle, Punk, Bubba, and MJ the hound.  The last two who showed up in October were older dogs - a beagle mix (Hiccup) and a chihuahua/dachshund mix named Daisy (who he insisted needed a coat during the cold days of January).  Ed's love of these dogs was endless and his protection of them was one of his last selfless acts.

Ed's nieces and nephews will remember him by "Uncle Buh" or "Uncle Ed", but mainly they will remember his wit and humor.  He is survived by 10 nephews - Michael Wright (Diana), Neal Hobbs (Carrie), Bobby Barksdale (Lauren), Robbie Wright (Sue), Christopher Lynch, Bryan Lynch, Matthew Hobbs, Justin Barksdale (Ida), Cody Barksdale (Katy) and West Councill (Lauren), 6 nieces - Logan Wright, Meredith Wright, Gina Thompson, Emily Gibson (Eddie), Courtney Councill (Tyler), and Stevie Hudyma (Garrett). He is also survived by 16 great nephews/nieces and 2 great-great nieces/nephews.

A Celebration of Ed's life will be held Sunday, March 29 from 2pm to 4pm at Suffolk Shrine Club (500 Elizabeth St, Suffolk, VA 23434).  Shared stories and memories will be welcomed.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Suffolk Humane Society or your favorite charity.

Please share a "selfie" or a recording of your favorite memory or story about Ed at www.dropbox.com/request/rwWmJX9UYAAFHrSeYVxK to be shared at his Celebration of Life.